Kulizhskiy C.P., Rodikova A.V., Popova S.V. SOIL FORMATION IN CONTACT ZONES OF TERRITORIAL AND AQUATIC COMPLEXES OF SHIRA STEPPEDiverse soil formation conditions in Shira Steppe of Chulym-Yenisei basin in Minusinsk intermountain trough, with their dissected relief and a substantial amount of standing lakes provide for a great topsoil diversity in the area. This fact complicates the possibilities of their use and methods of protection. Subordinate positions receive additional inflow of water and substances, additionally reinforced by erosion processes at anthropogenically modified parts of the watershed area. Another important factor is that contact zones of territorial and aquatic complexes around the lakes are subjected to the most active exodynamic processes, such as abrasion, colmatage, mire formation, salinization; types of soil chemism dynamics are observed along when cyclic changes in the soil regimes. These unique conditions cannot but reflect on the properties of lakeside soils, including — solonchaks, which mirror the environmental conditions. Soils profiles are located in landscape microzone directly adjacent to the waterfront and are represented by primary, primary stratified, as well as typical and schorre solonchaks. Objects are characterized by a predominance in the composition of chlorides and/or sulfates, in places — with the participation of soda. Easily soluble compounds are represented by halite, thenardite and astrakhanite. The presence of gypsum does not allow the solonetz process to develop in soils remote from the water area of the lake. The findings of the studies show a wide variation of basic soil parameters and properties of solonchaks, determined by a number of local soil formation factors, such as steepness and shape of surrounding slopes, exposure, wind direction, diversity of soil-forming materials, properties of the stratified material, lake size, location, etc.Key words: solonchaks, lakeside soils, Shira Steppe, Khakassia.

15. World reference base for soil resources 2006. A framework for international classification, correlation and communication / Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. — Rome, 2006. — 130 p.